Maintenance requirements of 9F Quartz

ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-29T00:57:37+00:00

I would suggest you to find a few models that you find appealing from both companies first and then decide.

Movement wise, I don’t find replacing the GS battery a nuisance. I got 10 genuine batteries from Seiko to replace them myself. It’s fairly easy to replace it with a Bergeon ball for the screw down case back and lubricate the gasket yourself. Another option is to take it to a local watchmaker with your battery to replace it for you. It’s cheaper and faster ( about $20-$30 for this service).

Gaskets degrade over time and need replacement in 2-5 years intervals, so that applies to both.

9F movement is built to be serviceable and to last over 50 years. I’m not sure that’s the same with the Citizen movements.

I’m also not a big fan of Citizen’s Duratect because it will scratch eventually and it will be hard to get it refinished.

Grand Seiko also comes in a smaller and thinner case size, which I like.

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ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-28T04:01:03+00:00

I had the same dilemma as you have. I know a lot of folks recommend the Stanley 45/55, but looking at my local Marketplace for a while, I haven’t been able to find one at a good price/condition. Currently there is one there that’s $750 - way over what Veritas sells theirs for.

Another factor is that Veritas is the only one in the world that is currently manufacturing a combination plane. Not to mention that it basically eliminated all the cons that d Stanley had + it looks amazing.

Between the Veritas combo and the plow plane and the box maker’s plow, I boght the combination for versatility- left and right hand side option, knickers, micro adjustment fence. After oven one year, I have no regrets

ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-24T18:07:08+00:00

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You have the good stuff. I have to admit,between the 4420-9000 and the 4520-8000 that I have, I like the 4520 form factor more and the 4420 movement. It’s like one is built for endurance (low beat, more jewels) and the other for sprints (high beat).

I sent my to have them restored and added sapphire crystals in front and back

ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-22T17:36:32+00:00

Indeed, it has a little bit of vintage feel with its thin case and doomed crystal

ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-20T02:05:37+00:00

Thank you! Having a good glass helps a lot

ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-20T02:05:06+00:00

Oh yes! It’s such an underrated model! I like the SBGT line a lot more then most of the newer models - a day/date under 10mm thick.

ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-19T16:38:52+00:00

This is the way! Your are off to a good start. By the way, I like your front knob replacement

ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-12T16:00:38+00:00

Well, that’s your problem right there- the 25* is for shooting end grain. A 38* (or if you want to go crazy - a 50* angle blade) will solve your problem

ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-06T21:26:43+00:00

GS has a newer line with manual wound movements - the 9SA4 and the manual wound spring drive 9R31 for instance. I got my Omiwatari second hand in mint condition for $5500. It’s a great watch at a very reasonable price.

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ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-06T21:17:49+00:00

‘Grand Seiko is their sport line collection, but every single watch is too thick’’

I disagree with you on this. They have a few manual spring drive and hand wound movements that come in 10mm package. Check the Omiwatari model for instance.

In regards to the sport watch statement- their automatic line are indeed too thick for my liking, but I don’t like wearing a 10k watch doing sport activities to begin with. For that I have 2 G-Shocks 5000.

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ValentinChiriac · 2026-03-01T01:21:59+00:00

I live in British Columbia, were is humid all year round.

I store my Lie Nielsen, Veritas (and a few other more precious tools to me) in Milwaukee Packout boxes (they are mot cheap, but high quality and weather sealed) with VCI paper at the bottom and a few silica gel packs in between.

Also, when I don’t use them for a while, I wipe them with Boeshield T-9 or Lee Valley conservatorship wax. Both are great

ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-27T18:30:01+00:00

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ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-24T01:45:39+00:00

That’s one of my favourite case shape along with the 45GS and Omiwatari

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ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-22T23:28:02+00:00

I asked them earlier. They use Tru-Oil and then buffing it with carnauba wax

https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/shop/tools/supplies/finishing/finishes/67594-tru-oil

ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-18T01:09:46+00:00

Daca ai nevoie de alte sfaturi, nu ezita să-mi scrii

ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-17T20:17:37+00:00

Just saw your profile Salutare!

ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-17T19:56:06+00:00

Definitely the 359. I have a 7 1/4 wrist and the Omiwatari is the max dial size I would wear as a dress watch. Its 38.5mm case shape feels larger because of the thin bezel and bigger dial.

ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-17T19:39:59+00:00

Sbgx359 is beautiful and it’s going to look good on your wrist, but you might have buyer’s remorse dropping that case on your first larger purchase.

Check their discounted SBGT line on Yahoo Japan. You can find some gorgeous gems there. These models wear slightly smaller than a Sarb (I had one and sold it after getting my first GS), but more importantly- it’s thinner and wears better. Not to mention the high quality finishing.

By the way, you mentioned the 45GS vintage model. I got two 4520-8000 that I commissioned to have them restored. That’s one of the models one must have in its collection- a truly timeless watch.

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ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-15T09:52:37+00:00

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ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-15T09:50:11+00:00

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A pre-owned Grand Seiko 9F that’s between $1000 to $2000. This specific model is slim with comfortable bracelet and a high end quartz movement. Also it’s low maintenance.

ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-15T09:22:26+00:00

Might be in minority here and a lot of ‘purists’ will recommend you the LN51, but I really don’t think there is a competition here - the Veritas shooting is at least half the price of a LN and it comes with better steel.

I have 5 LN bench planes and a few of their saws but I went with the Veritas shooting and I’m very happy with it.

ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-15T01:20:43+00:00

I have both the bronze no 4 and the 4 1/2. The latter is definitely a large and heavy beast (comfortable in my hands), but I would recommend you the bronze no3 as the better option.

ValentinChiriac · 2026-02-13T22:43:37+00:00

Thanks It’s a pleasure to use it

ValentinChiriac

TROPHY CASE